Dial-up Internet may have a resurgence as a result of the economic conditions, according to some dial-up service providers.
Companies such as Copper.net offer dial-up along with DSL and broadband Internet, although there is a difference in price and quality.
“Usually [dial-up] is ... anywhere from $20 to $50 less than broadband services,” said Ian Stotts, a customer support representative for Copper.net.
Although dial-up is slower, Stotts said some people only need to use the Internet occasionally, and don’t need to spend more money on a faster connection.
“With the economy the way it is, people are looking for cheaper plans,” he said.
Right now, Copper.net is trying to encourage people to use dial-up with its new six-month, promotional half-price plan, Stotts said.
Instead of $9.95 per month, Copper.net is offering its dial-up services for $4.97 per month during the promotion.
Mark Molzen, the Arizona regional media contact for Qwest, said that dial-up may actually be more expensive now due to a new broadband promotion.
He said that more money has been put into Broadband to improve the service instead of dial-up.
“From an economic standpoint and a speed standpoint — broadband is cheaper and faster,” Molzen said.
Dial-up alone from Qwest is $21.95 per month, while with another service it is only $18 per month, Molzen said.
Molzen added that Qwest is looking to create more affordable broadband prices with a new promotion of $14.99 per month for services.
“We have reduced our pricing for an entire year due to the economy,” Molzen said.
Many students, like marketing freshman Nick Drews, are continually updating their technology.
Drews said he uses a Dell laptop with ASU’s wireless service, as well as an iPod and BlackBerry phone with Internet connection.
Because of the economy, though, Drews said he has limited some technology expenses.
“Personally, I’m a lot more careful about how much text messaging I use,” he said.
Drews said he would use newer, less developed technologies to save money, but dial up is still an option.
“Depending on the cost, I would see how much money I could save [on dial-up],” he said.
Reach the reporter at reweaver@asu.edu.
